PEDAL bashers at a Newton Abbot residential home were treated to a visit by the town mayor, Richard Jenks.

Cllr Jenks set residents off on a charity challenge that will be running for 18 days from Southlands Residential Care Home in Highweek.

A virtual ‘Cycle-a-thon’ from Newton Abbot to Land’s End was will see peddlers – with an average age of 92 – use exercise pedallers to cover the equivalent distance of 208 miles.

Southlands’ 30 residents will take shifts virtually visiting 18 well-known Devon attractions over 18 days.

Local delicacies such as Plymouth gin, or scones and clotted cream will be sampled along the way.

The group has a fundraising target of £500, which has already been reached.

To make a donation visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for: ‘Southlands’.